Repair Vs Replace: What is the Average Cost of Windshield Replacement?

Did you know there aren't any regulations on the safety or quality of replacement windshields? 

It's shocking to know this, but it brings up a good question about whether you should repair your OEM windshield or replace it. Unless you have a crack or damage that is required to be replaced by law, how do you know you should replace or repair?

What is the average cost of windshield replacement, anyway? It's a tough one to answer, but we'll cover as much as we can in this helpful guide to make it clear.

Are you ready? It's time to crack on.

Signs My Windshield Can Be Repaired

It isn't always clear how to deal with a chip or a crack, or if it adheres to legal requirements to repair. We're going to go over some of the signs to know if a repair is all that's needed. Sometimes it's best to talk to a professional to get the best opinion.

We want to be sure about our decision to repair or replace, so let's cover repairs first.

1. Safety Won't Be Impaired

Windshields are designed with the structural integrity of the car in mind, not just to keep your hair back or sand out of your eyes. In fact, all the windows play a role in roll-safety and integrity, or to prevent crushing in the cabin space. In the case of a rollover event, it provides up to 60% of the integrity in the cabin space.

In a front end collision, it gives up to 40% of the integrity!

2. The Crack Isn't Too Big

Whip out a ruler and check that crack. If it's less than the length of your 1ft ruler, or the chip is less than 1 inch in diameter, you should be okay—depending on where it is on the windshield.

3. It's Only Surface Damage

A windshield is made up of several layers of glass, laminated together to prevent large sheets of dangerous shattered glass from flying in. Safety glass is one of those fortunate accidental discoveries that save lives. However, it will greatly diminish the safety of your windshield if it's more than "skin deep"

Signs It Should Be Replaced

There are specific things you should look for, as well. If you take it in to be looked at professionally, here are some of the things they will specifically look for.

1. It's a Big Crack

If your chip is more than an inch, it might be okay, but it's a definite no-no to let it get to 3 inches. Anything that large, as well as any crack 14 inches or more, makes it a necessity to replace your windshield.

2. It's a Deep Crack

If the crack has gone past the first layer and through the plastic between the panes of tempered glass that make up your windshield, it's time to replace. It significantly reduces the safety rating of your windshield, and therefore all the other safety features in your cabin, including airbags.

3. It's on the Edge

If the crack is on or within an inch of the visible edge of your windshield, it's time to replace it. You could have moisture seepage into the car at that point, along with a significant reduction in the safety of your windshield, just as with a deeper crack.

4. Your Visibility Is Significantly Hindered

Visibility is essential when you're driving. The three above points not only affect the strength and durability of your windshield but also your visibility.

A long crack or a wide chip will cause glinting and glare, as well as directly impeding your vision. Especially if a crack is on the edge of your windshield, it could make you miss some important details. A deeper crack is also more likely to glint and distract you.

The Average Cost of Windshield Replacement

It's difficult to say the exact cost of replacement since there are so many factors involved. Some of those factors are the make and model of your vehicle, the technological complexity of the windshield, and how many technicians are required to do the work.

Another consideration is if you will go with OEM or aftermarket parts for your replacement. OEM is the original equipment manufacturer and will cost much more.

If the windshield has integrated sensors or antenna, special coatings, mirror attachments, or even electronic dimming, you might not have a choice in the matter. Unless you are okay doing without those features, that probably are some of the reasons you bought the car, to begin with.

Some quick facts to help you:

• It's affordable to repair chips on windshields
• Chips can make cracks, and small cracks can grow
• It doesn't take long to replace a windshield

Windshield replacement can range from $170 to $1700 on common consumer vehicles. Specialty vehicles can run much more. Older vehicles from the 1990s are generally $200 to $300 for a replacement, while later cars in the 2000s run about $300 to $400.

OEM prices are sometimes double the generic price, but you know it will match the specification of the car 100%.

Compare this with the typical price of $60 to $100 to repair a modest chip. If there are multiple cracks or chips, it might not be worth it to repair it after all.

Repair or Replace: Time to Decide

Repair or replace? It's an age-old question for a lot of things in life, but not one you need to go through alone. A lot of people face the same dilemma, and choose to get advice from someone who knows.

So what is the average cost of windshield replacement? It's a tough call because of the factors involved. Our window repair and replacement estimate helps you get an idea of what's involved and how much it will cost.

It's time to decide—get in touch with Xtreme Auto Glass & Window Tint today for a quote and some personalized advice!